Hey everyone! I'm about to build my very first PC, and I've got a bit of a challenge. I borrowed a gaming desktop from a friend while I get everything ready. I installed Windows on my new 2TB M.2 hard drive, but I need to format it for a clean installation on my new setup. The tricky part is that it's the only drive in my current PC, meaning if I format it, the computer won't boot anymore. I don't have an external drive reader, but I've got some gear: a laptop, a 32GB USB stick, and a 1TB Samsung T7 portable SSD. My plan is to create a bootable USB drive on the Samsung SSD, boot from it, and then format the M.2 drive. Does this sound like a good plan? I'm really new to this, so if there's a simpler way, I'd love to hear it. Thanks for any tips!
4 Answers
You can totally create a bootable Windows 11 USB drive and do a clean install from there. The installer will handle deleting the current partitions, so no need to pre-format anything! Just make sure your new drive gets wiped during the install process.
Once you boot into the Windows 10/11 USB, you can use the command prompt (Shift + F10) to format the SSD via diskpart. It’s a handy tool to have access to!
Download the Windows 11 ISO and make a bootable USB with the 32GB stick. Before installing, back up your data on the 1TB external SSD. Don't forget to disconnect the external drive while booting from the USB stick and installing Windows. Then format the M.2 drive and install the OS! You can restore your data afterward.
Boom, that sounds easy enough! I really appreciate your help – this advice is way better than just trusting AI!
Using the USB stick to make a bootable Windows installer is the way to go! Just be aware that once you format the M.2, it won't boot anymore. Backup anything important to your 1TB Samsung T7 first. Also, check if you need LAN/WIFI drivers on the USB just in case Windows asks for them during installation. I’ve always wiped my drives during the Windows setup, not before!
Thanks a ton! I’m taking notes on all this. So glad I asked!
That makes total sense! I wasn’t sure where I got the idea that I needed to format before the install. You've saved me some headaches!